Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Tempe, AZ: $50.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Tempe, AZ runs $50.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $105,244 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Tempe's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,150 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist in Tempe, Arizona, is projected to be $50.60. This figure comes slightly below the national hourly median of $51.15, but it still represents a lucrative remuneration for professionals in this field. Those opting for part-time roles—such as working three days a week—can expect to earn around $3,814 on a biweekly paycheck for 24 hours of work. Additionally, per-diem opportunities in Tempe allow for variability in income; nuclear medicine technologists working in diverse settings like hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, or mobile PET trailers might find hourly rates ranging from $39.92 for entry-level roles to as high as $65.99 for experienced professionals. The flexibility of per-diem work can appeal to those looking for adaptable schedules while capitalizing on the occupation's higher earning potential.
About the Tempe Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.92 | $319.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.78 | $350.23 |
| Median (P50) | $50.60 | $404.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.79 | $462.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65.99 | $527.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tempe
Based on $50.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.60/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tempe, AZ can expect to earn approximately $105,251 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,721. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tempe.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tempe
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,024.05 | $8,771 | $105,251 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,214.43 | $5,263 | $63,150 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $809.62 | $3,508 | $42,100 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Tempe) | $50.60 |
| Radiologic Technologist (National Avg) | $35.27 |
| MRI Technologist (National Avg) | $40.93 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (National Avg) | $42.41 |
| Radiation Therapist (National Avg) | $48.35 |
Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Tempe, AZ earn a median of $105,244 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.08% lower than the national median of $106,398 and 0.40% above the Arizona state average of $104,825.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.60/hr = $63,150/year (purchasing power: $64,112).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $105,251/year (purchasing power: $106,853).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Tempe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Tempe grew 30.0% from $37.07/hr (2019) to $48.21/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.11/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem nuclear medicine technologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tempe metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.96% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Nuclear Medicine Technologist in Tempe
For part-time nuclear medicine technologists, earnings can be substantially different when compared to full-time positions. A technologist working 24 hours a week could take home approximately $49,668 annually, which highlights the trade-offs between full-time security and part-time flexibility. Per-diem nuclear medicine technologist pay in Tempe can vary significantly, as these professionals commonly charge between $55 and $80 per hour, with specialized roles in PET/CT imaging pulling in rates as high as $65 to $95. Furthermore, salaries can fluctuate based on employment type, whether it’s a hospital nuclear medicine department or a theranostics center specializing in therapies like lutetium-177. Many in the field weigh the benefits of lower hourly rates with health insurance against the higher pay from agencies that offer no benefits. To maximize earning potential, technologists in Tempe should consider negotiating based on their certifications and relevant experience in fast-growing areas like PET/CT and theranostics, which continue to offer premium compensation in the evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Tempe, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Tempe in 2026?
How much do part-time nuclear medicine technologists make in Tempe?
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Written by Alexandra Chen, MS, CNMT
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in nuclear medicine. She specializes in PET imaging at a community hospital. She analyzes trends in the nuclear medicine job market.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for nuclear medicine technologists in Tempe. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Tempe is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.96%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for nuclear medicine technologists (SOC 29-2033).
Compiled and verified by Alexandra Chen, MS, CNMT, a licensed nuclear medicine technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov